Peterhead boss Jim McInally has urged his side to take advantage of league-leaders Edinburgh City being out of action to close the gap at the top.

City head League 2 by four points from Peterhead, who have two games in hand on the capital club, who are in Irn-Bru Cup action against semi-final opponents Connah’s Quay Nomads.

The two sides have fought over league supremacy for the majority of the campaign but a win against Queen’s Park this afternoon would allow them to trim the deficit to one at the summit.

McInally said: “Saturday is a massive game for us as it’s important to put pressure on Edinburgh. We need to bring the gap back to a point with a game in hand.

“We’re into the midweek games after next week and there’ll be games coming thick and fast, which is why it’s great to have everyone fit again.”

The Blue Toon are yet to beat Queen’s Park this season, having drawn on the opening day then losing 2-0 at Hampden Park in November.

McInally added: “In the first game we lost an early goal and although we dominated the rest of the game, we probably didn’t deserve more than a point. The game at Hampden, they scored off two crosses and when you concede goals like that, it’s going to be hard to win.

“As far as this game goes, they are a lot of points behind us but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.”

Midfielder Simon Ferry trained during the week and is back in contention for the Balmoor fixture, while Nicky Riley is continuing his comeback from a knee injury.

McInally said: “Simon had a good session on Wednesday and he will take part in the game, whether that’s starting or on the bench.”